Pearls have been prized, worn and traded for centuries, but so has the lining from which the gems are eked.
More specifically, the shimmering iridescence of mother-of-pearl, a composite layer produced by mussels and oysters to protect the mollusc inside. The composite has a long history of being used as decoration in jewellery, crockery and furniture, especially in-laid furniture.
Cast an eye through the fashionable figures of history, and you’ll see the material decorating everyone from legendary Egyptian Queen Cleopatra, Queen Elizabeth I and Anne Boleyn. The famous Chequers Ring link the last two names: Queen Elizabeth wore the mother-of-pearl piece that features a locket with two portraits rendered in gold and rubies, one of which was thought to be her mother, Anne Boleyn.
Mother-of-pearl can be traced back to the Mesopotamians in 2500BC, and China’s Ming and Shang dynasties (the latter goes back to 1500BC). The Victorians, never ones to shy away from the ornate and beautiful, were huge fans. And today, household names like Michelle Obama and Rihanna are known for their love of pearl jewellery.
So, mother-of-pearl and pearls have been around as long as the oceans themselves, and will continue to be long after we’ve gone. Their legacy remains in the astounding pieces of jewellery and furniture we make from them.
Coveted for their beguiling iridescent shimmer, mother-of-pearl symbolises purity, protection and femininity, which is why they’re often linked to the Ancient Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite. They are a great choice for a 30th wedding anniversary gift (or 30th birthday, for that matter) since pearls are their associated gemstone.
Their muted neutral colours look like sunlight rippling across rainclouds, shifting in the light, which gives them such broad appeal and a luxurious look. Whether you’re thinking of investing in a piece for your jewellery box or hunting for a special gift, mother-of-pearl is the failsafe that always comes up trumps.
To help show you what’s out there, we’ve rounded up the most stylish mother-of-pearl pieces to consider buying now.
Shop the edit below
Monica Vinader Amy Powney Keshi Pearl Large Hoop Earrings
Feeling blue? You may as well lean into it and bag yourself an elegant little trinket along the way.
Monica Vinader's earrings carry nuances of blue in the keshi pearl. The pearl hangs from 18k Gold Vermeil, making them a versatile pair to wear for practically all your special occasions.
Buy now £150.00, Monica Vinader
Gold Mother Of Pearl Spinning Disc Necklace
Customisable with the option to engrave on the reverse of this spinning Mother of Pearl disc, you can choose your own personal mantra to adorn your newest piece of meditative jewellery. Engravable up to 25 characters, this beautiful necklace is made from sterling silver with an 18ct gold plating.
Buy now £80.00, Lily & Roo
Raymond Weil Women's Toccata 29 Mother of Pearl Diamond Date Bracelet Strap Watch
With a mother-of-pearl face and a yellow-gold plated bracelet strap, this Raymond Weil timepiece is ideal for tapping into the quiet luxury trend. Markers are distinguished with tiny real diamonds and there’s a date window for keeping tabs on the days of the month too.
Buy now £1195.00, John Lewis
Amy Powney Keshi Pearl Triple Ring
A three-banded ring forged from 18k gold vermeil is finished with a statement keshi pearl. The piece is part of a collection by Amy Powney, a sustainable fashion pioneer, which aims to celebrate the imperfections in the natural world.
Buy now £128.00, Monica Vinader
Missoma Square Pearl Statement Earrings
Not all pearls have to be prim and proper, a point proven by Missoma with its edgy square pearl earrings. The beautifully crafted gems sit on square frames, highlighting the changes in colour and texture across the pearls.
Buy now £159.00, Missoma
Anthropologie Triple Mother-of-Pearl Drop Earrings
Bring the beach vibes wherever you go, thanks to Anthropologie’s brass post earrings. The drop design is crafted with three pieces of milky, opal-like mother-of-pearl, which will shimmer and catch the light, even under long hair.
Buy now £58.00, Anthropologie
Edge of Ember Solar Mother of Pearl Coin Pendant Necklace
This sunshine talisman of a necklace is inspired by antique coins found in the eastern reaches of Asia. While small, the pendant cleverly captures a miniature version of the cosmos: the sun, a star and the moon all in one.
A stunning piece that will tie in seamlessly with any festival look.
Buy now £135.00, John Lewis
Alighieri The Fragment of Light Earrings
A jewellery brand loved for making wearable works of art, Alighieri has cast its magic again with these elegant freshwater baroque pearl earrings.
This design is just an idea of what they could look like; each pearl will vary slightly in shape, colour and size, highlighting their individuality.
Both sit on a 24kt gold-plated sculptural stud.
Buy now £350.00, Alighieri
Astley Clarke Polaris Compass 18ct yellow gold-plated vermeil sterling-silver, mother of pearl and white sapphire signet ring
A statement signet ring that we like wearing on the index finger rather than the pinkie, this design has nautical leanings thanks to the compass design set in the centre. A mother-of-pearl background gives it the right background to complement but not overwhelm.
Buy now £148.00, Selfridges
Garrard Wings Rising 18-karat white gold, mother-of-pearl and diamond earrings
Looking for jewels to send the paps into meltdown at your next red carpet event? Call on Garrad, who has this winged design, finished with round-cut diamonds and mother-of-pearl pieces sourced from the Philippines.
Buy now £21000.00, Net-A-Porter
Vivienne Westwood Mother Orb Ladies' Stainless Steel Watch
If you’re searching for a timeless piece of jewellery to wear every day and with every outfit, few things are more classic than a nice watch. Westwood’s piece of wrist candy comes with a mother-of-pearl face, a heart detail on the second hand, and the brand’s iconic orb dangling from the stainless steel design.
Buy now £250.00, Ernest Jones
